4 Ways to get what you want out of the new year

Simple tips to help you get more out of life in 2016

Every year, we enter January hoping to accomplish XYZ on our resolution list. We’re excited, motivated and maybe even a little overwhelmed at all the dreams that we want to bring to fruition.

But by February, we’ve most likely lost some steam. The cold weather helps us rationalize passing up that morning cardio class. We stay on the couch eating popcorn and watching romcoms instead of actually going on dates. And we skip those networking events that we know are oh-so crucial to launching our next entrepreneurial adventure.

What gives? Why do we end up not achieving what we wholeheartedly set out to do in the new year?

There are lots of ways I can answer that question. But for today, I want to help you bust through anything that may be inspiring procrastination instead of progression.

The trick to not only taking action towards your dreams but actually realizing them is structure, support and even a little fun. Below, I’ve compiled a list of my four favorite ways to bring in all of these elements so that you get exactly what you want out of 2016.

1. Set an intention

It might sound like a fancier way to say “resolution,” but I promise you, it’s different. This intention should set the tone for the whole year ahead. It can be something like, “my intention is to have more compassion for myself and others” or “my intention is to transform my conversation about my finances,” or even “my intention is to find a tribe of people whom I really connect with.” It’s something that can be weaved into every breath of your year, not a pending deadline or goal that you’re using to beat yourself up with. See the difference?

2. Create four goals

We want you to achieve things in 2016, not just set an intention. So here’s where we get a little bit more specific. Instead of having one or two goals that you’re expected to complete by the end of the year, keep your goals super focused and pick one to accomplish per quarter. Make sure these goals are ones that give you the feeling of expansion versus heaviness and stress.

3. Don’t do it alone

Whether you’re blessed to have a huge tribe of besties or you have a handful of treasured soul sisters, now is the time to support each other in a powerful way. New Year's is a time to celebrate each other’s successes from the past year and also hold each other accountable for what you want to create in the year ahead. Feel free to figure out how you all want to come together, but one of my favorite things to do is to have a vision party. You can do the activity I describe below together as well as discuss your goals and intentions.

4. Make a vision board

It helps to visualize your intention. The best way to go about this is to create a vision board that represents it fully and have it live in a place that inspires you everyday. There are lots of ways to create a vision board, but the basic principles are: get a large piece of poster board, dozens of magazines, scissors and a glue stick. Go through each magazine searching for things that inspire you, excite you or truly touch your heart. One thing to keep in mind is that it doesn’t have to make literal sense. You could find a color or a random image that you connect with even if you don’t totally understand what meaning it has in your life. Once you’ve gotten all of your clippings, put them on your board in a way that feels good. There are little to no rules in this process; the only thing I want you to remember is to follow your heart.

So, no matter what 2016 brings, know that you don’t have to do it alone. Follow these four tips and this year could be the best year of your life! In the comments below, share your intention for 2016. I can’t wait to hear from you.

This post is part of a sponsored collaboration between Vera Bradley and SheKnows.